Sights in Vietnam
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Phap Lam Pagoda
Recently rebuilt, this pagoda has three giant Buddha statues in the courtyard, and an equally imposing large gold one in the temple. It’s set back from the road noise and at night, a cluster of street-food stalls mushrooms outside the temple gates.
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Chuc Thanh Pagoda
Founded in 1454 by a Buddhist monk from China, this pagoda is the oldest pagoda in Hoi An. Among the antique ritual objects still in use are several bells, a stone gong that is two centuries old and a carp-shaped wooden gong said to be even older.
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B
Temple of King Hung Vuong
Across from the entrance to the museum you'll see the elaborate Temple of King Hung Vuong. The Hung kings are said to have been the first rulers of the Vietnamese nation, having established their rule in the Red River region before it was invaded by the Chinese.
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Mac Cuu Family Tombs
Not far from town are the Mac Cuu Family Tombs, known locally as Nui Lang, the Hill of the Tombs. Several dozen relatives of Mac Cuu are buried here in traditional Chinese tombs decorated with figures of dragons, phoenixes, lions and guardians.
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Thien Hau Pagoda
One of the most active in Cholon, Thien Hau Pagoda is dedicated to Thien Hau, the Chinese goddess of the sea. As she protects fisherfolk, sailors, merchants and any other maritime travellers, you might stop by to ask for a blessing for your next boat journey.
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Foundry
Toiling away at the family métier is 71-year-old Mr De Van Nguyen, who runs a small foundry by the Perfume River southwest of the city. This is where he casts bells, statues and cauldrons, some for temples in Hue and neighbouring provinces.
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Hall of the Ten Hells
On the left-hand side of the Jade Emperor's chamber in the Jade Emperor Pagoda is another room. It contains the famous Hall of the Ten Hells, carved wooden panels illustrating the varied torments awaiting evil people in each of the Ten Regions of Hell.
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Citadel
There’s not a lot left to see of Vinh’s citadel (1831) apart from the sludgy green moat and three gates: Left Gate (Cua Ta; Ð Dao Tan), Right Gate (Cua Huu; Ð Dao Tan) and Front Gate (Cua Tien; Khoi 5 Ð Dang Thai Than).
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C
Can Tho Museum
The enormous, well-presented Can Tho Museum has exhibits of the history of Can Tho resistance during foreign rule as well as displays on the culture and history of the province. There’s a life-size pagoda and ample English signage.
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D
Phung Hung Old House
In a lane full of beautiful buildings, the old Phung Hung Old House stands out. It's still a family home, having housed eight generations over 226 years. At present it showcases hand embroidery and souvenirs; wander through and enjoy the ambience.
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Turtle Conservation Center
The Turtle Conservation Center houses over 1000 turtles from 20 of Vietnam’s 25 native species. This includes animals that were confiscated from smugglers; again it’s China generating the demand, for culinary and medicinal value.
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E
Dalat Cathedral
The gingerbread-style Dalat Cathedral was built between 1931 and 1942 for use by French residents and holiday-makers. The cross on the spire is topped by a weathercock, 47m above the ground. The church itself is rarely open outside of mass times.
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Dambri Falls
Dambri Falls is one of the highest (90m), most magnificent and easily accessible waterfalls in Vietnam. For some incredible views, ride the vertical cable car or trudge up the steep path to the top of the falls.
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Tran Family Chapel
This chapel was built for worshipping the family ancestors in 1802. It was built by Tran Tu, one of the clan who ascended to the rank of mandarin and served as an ambassador to China. His picture is to the right of the chapel.
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G
St Joseph Cathedral
The striking neo-Gothic St Joseph Cathedral was inaugurated in 1886, and boasts a soaring facade that faces a little plaza. Its most noteworthy features are its twin belltowers, elaborate altar and fine stained-glass windows.
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H
Thien Hau Pagoda
Built by the Cantonese Congregation in the early 19th century, this large pagoda is dedicated to Thien Hau and always has a mix of worshippers and visitors, who mingle beneath the large coils of incense suspended overhead.
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Xo Viet Nghe Tinh Museum
The walk between the Left and Right Gates of the citadel provides a pleasant interlude and passes the little-visited Xo Viet Nghe Tinh Museum, which memorialises local heroes of the nationalist movement against the French in 1930–1.
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Linh Son Pagoda
Built in 1938, the Linh Son Pagoda is a lovely ochre-coloured building that fuses French and Chinese architecture. The giant bell is said to be made of bronze mixed with gold, its great weight making it too heavy for thieves to carry off.
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The Sacred Horse of Quan Cong
To the left of the entrance of the Phuoc An Hoi Quan Pagoda is a life-size figure of The Sacred Horse of Quan Cong. Before leaving on a journey, people make offerings to the horse, then stroke its mane and ring the bell around its neck.
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J
Chinese All-Community Assembly Hall
Founded in 1773, the Chinese All-Community Assembly Hall was used by Fujian, Cantonese, Hainan, Chaozhou and Hakka congregations in Hoi An. The pavilions off the main courtyard incorporate elements of 19th-century French architecture.
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K
Long Xuyen Catholic Church
One of the largest churches in the Mekong Delta, Long Xuyen Catholic Church is an impressive modern structure that boasts a 50m-high bell tower. It was constructed between 1966 and 1973 and can seat 1000 worshippers.
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Cathedral
The Tay Ninh of the north, Phat Diem is the home of a celebrated cathedral, which is remarkable for its vast dimensions and inimitable Sino-Vietnamese architecture, with a dash of European dressing for good measure.
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Old House
Just a few steps down from the Japanese Covered Bridge, this old house has a wide, welcoming entrance hall decorated with exquisite lanterns, wall hangings and embroidery. There’s also an impressive suspended altar.
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Emperor's Reading Room
Behind the Royal Theatre, the two-storey Emperor's Reading Room , decorated with interesting roof mosaics, was the only part of the Forbidden Purple City to have escaped damage during the French re-occupation of Hué in 1947.
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Cao Dai Temple
Though not as large as the one in Tay Ninh, this Cao Dai Temple is still a very impressive place and it’s staffed by friendly monks. The temple was built in 1966 and to this day still seems to be fairly active.
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